Random musings of one Columbian, a place to connect and to learn more about issues and events in Howard County. If you would like to have me blog on an issue, organization or an upcoming community service event email me at duanestclair@gmail.com
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

How do you find out about childcare?

Did you know that the capacity of the brain to absorb new learning peaks at age 3? Scientists have learned that a toddler’s brain develops over one hundred trillion brain synapses. A brain synapse is the "wiring" between two brain cells that grasps new learning. The more the synapses, the more your brain will learn. It is during this time that the human brain has the highest potential for new learning in its lifetime.

With the cost of child care often being the same as sending a child to college it is important to be knowledgeable about the your choices for childcare. This task is made easier by the one stop shop event hosted by the Howard County Office of Children's Services.

Howard County’s Department of Citizen Services, Office of Children’s Services has announced a new date for their annual Preschool/Child Care Information Fair, “Children On Board,” which was postponed earlier this month due to inclement weather. The rescheduled event will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2012, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Lane in Clarksville, Md. Admission is free; however, attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Howard County Food Bank.

“Children On Board” will provide parents, guardians, grandparents and child care personnel with “one stop shopping” for information on child care and pre-school programs, as well as the opportunity for personal contact with teachers and program directors. Representatives from community service organizations that offer programs and services to Howard County’s young children will also be on hand to provide information to interested parents.

For more information about the Fair, contact the Office of Children’s Services at either 410-313-1940 or via e-mail at childcare@howardcountymd.gov.

P.S.

The Office of Children's Services is also looking to honor people who have made a positive impact on the lives of children in Howard County. Plan to nominate them for recognition at the 13th annual "Celebrating Successes for Children" ceremony hosted by County Executive Ken Ulman and the Howard County Office of Children's Services. The awards honor people, programs or businesses that make a difference and serve children in one of the following categories:

Categories include:

Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years) Preschool-Age Children (3-5 years) Elementary-Age Children (Kindergarten through 5th) Middle School-Age Children (6th through 8th) High School-Age Children (9th through 12th)

Mixed Aged Group (person or program that works with children of different ages) Outstanding Youth Award (an individual under age 18 who has made a difference for children)

• Family-Friendly Business Award (a Howard County business - NOT child care - that stands out because of its policies or services to children and families)

While an individual nominee does not have to be a resident of Howard County, he or she must serve Howard County children; however, program or business nominees must be located in Howard County. To request a nomination form, contact the Office of Children's Services at 410-313-1940 or e-mail Priscilla Kung at pkung@howardcountymd.gov.Nomination forms are also available on line at www.howardcountvmd.gov/CelebratingSuccesses.htm.All nominations must be e-mailed, faxed (410-313-1430), delivered or postmarked by Friday, March 16.